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Frequently Asked Questions

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What are some other good facts to know about Ireland before visiting?

Population

The Republic of Ireland contains about 4.75 million people, and Northern Ireland (U.K.) contains about 1.8 million people. That brings the total population of the island to about 6.55 million.

Government

In 1922, Ireland achieved independence from Great Britain. It ratified the Constitution of Ireland in 1937 and officially became the Republic of Ireland (ROI) in 1949. Ireland has a parliamentary system, and the head of government is the Taoiseach or Irish Prime Minister.

Dublin

Dublin began as a Viking settlement in approximately A.D. 800. Now, Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and the most populous city on the island. Its official name in Irish is Baile Átha Cliath ("town of the hurdled ford"). The English name "Dublin" comes from "Dubhlinn" ("black pool" in Irish). The city is located at the mouth of the River Liffey near the middle of Ireland's east coast.

Provinces, Counties, and Cities

The Republic of Ireland is broken up into four provinces: Leinster (in the east), Ulster (in the north), Connacht (in the west), and Munster (in the south). The Republic contains 26 counties, while Northern Ireland contains 6. The most populated cities on the island are as follows:

Dublin (1.9 million)

Belfast (333,000)

Cork (208,500)

Limerick (94,000)

Galway (80,00)

Languages

The official languages of Ireland are Irish (Gaeilge) and English. Children are taught both languages in school. The Irish name for Ireland is Éire.

Driving

Stay left! The steering wheel in Irish cars is mounted on the right so that the driver stays toward the middle of the road as they drive on the left-hand side of the road. Speed is measured in kilometers per hour in the Republic of Ireland and miles per hour in Northern Ireland.